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Open Play

Chess Thriving in Montgomery County

About 250 people interested in chess came to the Rockville Town Square on Sunday. Sponsored by the Montgomery County Public Schools Chess League, the Rockville Chess Club, and the Rockville Public Library, Chess in the Square brought children from throughout the county to play chess.

This was not a tournament or anything formal. This was a beautiful afternoon during which kids and adults could enjoy the sunshine while participating in one of the most engaging activities the world has ever produced.

Players found their own partners to play. Some played with family members; others challenged the strong players present from the Rockville club, which offers free play in the library every Sunday afternoon. The club has activities on Monday and Thursday evenings.

We at the Chess Center hope to see the students join the high school league (Metro Area Chess League) and the middle school league (Potomac Youth Chess League) which will start in the fall and winter.

Improving Chess Skills by Playing

Sai Arjun came to Chess in the Park with a goal: win nine games. Three weeks earlier he had won the first place trophy with a near-perfect 8.5/9 score, and he wanted to improve.

The U.S. Chess Center stresses that the fun part of chess is improving. Winning happens when players get better, and we also stress that good sportsmanship includes always playing one’s best. It was gratifying that Sai Arjun’s goals were not achieving a rating (events like this always are unrated) or winning a trophy, but instead he wanted to improve on his previous impressive result. He succeeded, and in doing so again took home the first place trophy.

We were pleased that 42 children representing 28 schools in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia were brought to Eastern Market Metro Park. Well over half the players live in DC, with the remainder pretty evenly split between Maryland and Virginia.

At the beginning, the temperature was comfortable, but when the cloud cover dissipated the heat became oppressive. The games were played in the shade of the pavilion, but most of the parents sat on the nearby benches that were, unfortunately, not covered. It was nice that politicians campaigning in the park were distributing bottled water.

Heat did not slow down the contestants. They played chess, ran around, and made friends. Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, VA won the top team award, while BASIS DC won the trophy for the top DC school.

Barracks Row Main Street sponsors these events two or three times each spring. Discussions have started about running chess competitions for adults in the fall.

Another great day of Chess in the Park on May 20th

Our second drop-in tournament this spring at Eastern Market Metro was held under blue skies this past Saturday, May 20.  Staged in cooperation with Barracks Row Main Street and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, this event had over 40 students showing up to play over the two and a half hours.  The players ranged from grades 2 to 8, and from experienced USCF tournament players to first-timers.  

On June 24 we will hold a third and final Chess in the Park Tournament at Eastern Market Metro Plaza with the same format and again we will present awards to the top players, including top girl and top DC school (so encourage others from your school to register and play).  Pre-Register online for June 24 at: https://chessctr.org/play/easternmarketmetro/

Come Play Chess at Silver Branch Brewing Company on June 7

The Chess Center invites all of our grown-up patrons (over 21 years of age) to join us the first Tuesday of each month for Bishops and Beers at Silver Branch Brewing Company.  

Starting June 7, participants will be able to come out and play chess while enjoying the beverage offerings at one of Silver Spring’s finest local production breweries.  One of our certified U.S. Chess Center instructors will be hosting proceedings.  Board, sets, and some clocks for those who wish to play rapid and blitz games will all be provided.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned master, you’re welcome to come play with us.

Registration is available here: https://chessctr.org/play/bishops-and-beers/.